Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for secure hard disk signed audit. The apparatus is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of monitoring interactions with an audited system, detecting an interrupt event corresponding to an auditable interaction, and logging an audit record for the auditable interaction in response to the interrupt event, wherein the audit record is logged in an access-restricted portion of a portion-securable hard disk. These modules in the described embodiments include a gate module, a detection module, and a logging module.
Abstract:
A system, method, and program product is provided that initializes expected PCRs stored in a TPM by generating and storing a random number, seeding expected PCRs with the random number, inputting a set of startup code processes to a hash algorithm resulting in a set of hash values, updating the expected PCRs using the set of hash values, and saving the expected PCRs in a nonvolatile data area that is secured by the TPM. Upon reboot, the random number is retrieved from the nonvolatile data area, the PCRs are seeded with the retrieved random number, the startup code processes are input to the hash algorithm process resulting in another set of hash values, the PCRs are updated using the resulting set of hash values, and an encrypted data object is decrypted in response to the PCRs being the same as the expected PCRs.
Abstract:
Methods and arrangements are disclosed for secure single sign on to an operating system using only a power-on password. In many embodiments modified BIOS code prompts for, receives and verifies the power-on password. The power-on password is hashed and stored in a Platform Configuration Register of the Trusted Platform Module. In a setup mode, the trusted platform module encrypts the operating system password using the hashed power-on password. In a logon mode, the trusted platform module decrypts the operating system password using the hashed power-on password.
Abstract:
A system and method for autonomic extensions to wake on LAN are presented. An access point detects wake on LAN (WOL) requests that are targeted for unassociated clients. When the access point detects a WOL request for an unassociated client, the access point stores the WOL request in a table for a predefined amount of time. A client queries the access point periodically to see if the access point is storing a WOL request which is targeted for the client. When the access point receives the query, the access point compares the client's identifier, such as its MAC address, with targeted client identifiers corresponding to pending WOL requests. When the access point detects a match, the access point sends the WOL request to the client for the client to process.
Abstract:
A hypervisor operating system instantiates a virtual video driver to a main operating system that supports only one type of graphics adapter. The virtual driver handles graphics remapping among plural different display drivers associated with plural different display monitors to enable a computer to output data on multiple different monitors even though the main O.S. supports only one type of display driver.
Abstract:
A system, computer program product and method for booting to a partition in a non-volatile storage unit without a local operator. In one embodiment, one or more bits in a BOOT register may be set by an operating system indicating if the BIOS should boot to the partition. The BIOS may then read the BOOT register to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition. In another embodiment, a network interface card may insert directive information received from a packet in a register within the network interface card. The BIOS may then read the register within the network interface card to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for remotely accessing a shared password. A storage module stores identifiers, passwords, and keys within a secure key structure of a client. The passwords and keys include a shared password encrypted with a shared password key that is encrypted with a service structure key. The storage module also stores the service structure key encrypted with a key derived from a service password on a trusted server. An input/output module accesses the trusted server from the client with a prospective service password and receives the encrypted service structure key from the trusted server if a hash of the prospective service password is equivalent to the service password. An encryption module may decrypt the service structure key with the prospective service password, the shared password key with the service structure key, and the shared password with the shared password key.
Abstract:
A system, computer program product and method for booting to a partition in a non-volatile storage unit without a local operator. In one embodiment, one or more bits in a BOOT register may be set by an operating system indicating if the BIOS should boot to the partition. The BIOS may then read the BOOT register to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition. In another embodiment, a network interface card may insert directive information received from a packet in a register within the network interface card. The BIOS may then read the register within the network interface card to determine if the BIOS is to boot to the partition as well as any activities to perform if the BIOS is to boot to the partition.
Abstract:
A method, computer program product and computer system for securing alterable data. A computer that is remotely managed may be equipped with a protected storage that is accessible only by BIOS code. The protected storage may have the capacity to store a symmetrical encryption key. An EEPROM, which normally contains the BIOS code, may be used to store accessible configuration data as well as remotely unaccessible sensitive access information (e.g., passwords). The remotely unaccessible sensitive data is encrypted with the symmetrical encryption key by the BIOS code. Remote access to the sensitive data is accomplished via change requests submitted to the BIOS code over a secure channel. The BIOS code then determines whether the request is valid. If so, then sensitive data is decrypted, altered, encrypted, and re-written into the EEPROM. Normal access to accessible data is unaffected and remote access is allowed without changing the computer system architecture.
Abstract:
A motherboard for a computer system is presented which provides a trusted platform by which operations can be performed with an increased level trust and confidence. The basis of trust for the motherboard is established by an encryption coprocessor and by code which interfaces with the encryption coprocessor and establishes root of trust metrics for the platform. The encryption coprocessor is built such that certain critical operations are allowed only if physical presence of an operator has been detected. Physical presence is determined by inference based upon the status of registers in the core chipset on the motherboard.